Travel Information French Guiana
SOUTH AMERICA
Find more information below on French Guiana, South America, such as general information, currency, safety and more.
General Information
- FLAG
- CAPITAL Cayenne (Paris)
- GOVERNMENT Overseas department of France
- CURRENCY Euro (EUR)
- POPULATION 199,509 (July 2006 est.)
- TOTAL AREA 91,000km² >
- LANGUAGES French
- DECIMAL SYSTEM
- TIME ZONE
- LOCATION
Most popular cities in French Guiana
- Cayenne – the administrative capital of French Guiana
- Kourou – the city which hosts the space center and Arianespace
- Saint-Laurent – located on the Maroni river, which forms the natural border between Surinam and French Guyana.
- Saint-Georges – on the Oyapock river, which is the natural border between Brazil and French Guyana.
Sockets & Plugs in French Guiana
120V, 60Hz with sockets and plugs Type A and Type B.
Money
Currency
United States dollar (symbol: $), with code USD.
Banknotes come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 dollars. The dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1 dollars and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. Notes larger as 20 dollars are not everywhere accepted.
ATM’S
Common
Automatic teller machines are pretty common in Ecuador, and you can usually find them in both large and small cities. You don’t need a chip and PIN card to use an ATM: your standard magnetic card will work fine.
Tipping
You are expected to tip
Tipping is expected in Ecuador since the staff depends on tips to supplement their (often minimum) wages. Receipts you get usually include a service charge.
Communication
Internet
Internet speed in Ecuador is an average of 4.4 Mbps.
WiFi coverage is pretty low, so it is not that easy to find one.
Mobile phone
You can buy a SIM card for around $21.28, which usually includes 1 GB of data plan. You can choose from 3 telecom companies: Movistar, CNT or Claro.
Mobile phones
The system uses GSM mobile network GSM 850.
Roaming
Remember that if you don’t want to buy SIM card in Ecuador upon arrival, try to make sure to check the roaming charges with your own telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return back home.
Dial code
+593
To call Ecuador, dial +, then 593 (the country code for Ecuador), then the area code (without the initial 0) and finally the local number.
Crime
Moderate crime rate
The country has a moderate crime rate . Take precautions to avoid mugging, bag snatching and pick-pocketing. Be particularly aware at airports, railway stations and crowded public places. Do not leave your valuables unattended.
Pickpocketing/theft
It’s recommended to follow common security precautions like wearing a money belt, leaving valuables in your hotel room safe or well out of sight, securing your bag, staying careful in crowds.
Transport
Road rules
You should drive on the right side of the road. Most cars have manual transmission (stick).
Speed limits
Unless mentioned otherwise, the speed limits for cars and motorcycles are as follows: 50 km/h (31 mph) in all built-up areas, 60-100 km/h (37-62 mph) on expressways, 60-100 km/h (37-62 mph) on undivided highways and 60-100 km/h (37-62 mph) on motorways.
Driving license
An IDP is required
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required as well as your original license. IDP can be issued by your local automobile association before you leave your home country.
Rent a car
In order to rent a car:
- your age must be over 25
- you must have a full license for at least a 1 year
- have a credit card (Usually Visa & MasterCard are the best)
Alcohol, drugs & prostitution
Alcohol
Legal
The minimum age to purchase and drink alcohol is 18 years old.
Prostitution
Legal
Prostitution is legal, and brothels are also legal.
Drugs
Cannabis is illegal but decriminalized
Although drugs are illegal (including cannabis), marijuana is decriminalized meaning you will not go to jail and it will not be on your criminal record if they catch you. However, you could still get a fine, rehabilitation, community service.
Other
Emergency numbers
- Police 9
Vaccinations
Vaccinations listed are recommended
The following vaccinations listed for this country are recommended for your own protection and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. If you are traveling from certain countries, some vaccinations (like eg Yellow Fever) can become obligatory.
- Typhoid fever
- Yellow Fever
- Hepatitis A
These vaccinations apply only to select travelers or persons on work assignments in Ecuador.
- Rabies
- Hepatitis B
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SOURCE & MORE INFORMATION: thebasetrip.com
